He’d always had his eyes on Sarah and the old man had known it. Riley had been angry when Duckett brought her into town to be part of the bride lottery. He knew she hadn’t killed the vile bastard she’d been stuck with as a father, and he knew the sheriff knew it as well. He’d been ready to throw her over his shoulder and fight off anyone who tried to stop him when the crazy son of a bitch had unfolded the paper Sarah chose and read Riley’s name from it. Riley had almost faltered. He knew he hadn’t put his name in the drawing. And yet there was no doubt that it was his name Duckett had called. And who was he to question how such a gift had been given to him? He’d never figured on getting married, not with his past occupation as a Texas Ranger or his current job as sheriff’s deputy. Neither occupation usually allowed for family, or, hell, even long life expectancy for that matter. But if marriage was the only way he could have Sarah then he would take it.He glanced across the room at his wife.
